Submission to Letters to the Editor that the Hickory Daily Record refused to post relating to the issues about the Hickory City Council. By the way, the CEG had nothing to do with the articles the Hickory Daily Record put in the paper a couple of Sunday's ago. They are entitled to their opinion, but those examples of conflicts pale in comparison to some of the real issues that have gone on over the years.
You know that what the Hickory Daily Record original article, a couple Sunday's ago, showed was that there did not have to be a criminal intent for there to be conflicts of interest. We agree with that. Now all of the sudden they seem to have retreated to a position that there has to be an express financial gain to rise to being a "Conflict of Interest".
And now we see where the paper spoke to this issue and subsequently is falling all over itself retreating, which certainly is disappointing and shows that they have no interest in independent journalism. The Citizens for Equity in Government has certainly shown more respect to the Hickory Daily Record than Hickory Inc. ever has and yet they come to beat up on us on a regular basis, while constantly giving the local Hickory City Government a free pass and a platform. If we say something, then Hickory Inc. are allowed to respond. If they say something, we aren't allowed to respond.
I've held back on these, because the HDR was the proper forum for response, but since they want to censor relevant responses to issues in which people and organizations have been spoken of, here you go.
From Harry Hipps - submitted July 11, 2013:
There are many people who respect Sally Fox, of the Hickory City Council, for her efforts in the community over the years. I respect her and I believe Mrs. Fox when she thinks that she has done nothing wrong. But, the intent does not match the reality of what defines a "Conflict of Interest".
Mrs. Fox as much as admits that she steered the Farmer's Market to Union Square. There were many who wanted it located on Spring's Road. Mrs. Fox's multiple hats on the Farmer's Market Board, Downtown Development Association, City Council Member, and Union Square shop owner skewed the outcome.
We also know that Jill Patton wears as many Board hats as Mrs. Fox; formerly being on the boards of the Farmer's Market, Lake Hickory Country Club, Bank of Granite, and now the Rotary Chair. Along with Mrs. Fox they demanded and got the Million Dollar "Sails on the Square".
This cross pollination of these various interests have tilted the decision making process in Hickory towards Property and Business Owners in the immediate vicinity of Union Square at the expense of the rest of this community. Areas only a few blocks from Union Square have been ignored and fallen into disrepair.
We have seen multi-millions of dollars pumped into Union Square over the past two decades and we are constantly told that it isn't enough. We have even seen the Parking Fund monies, created to expand parking capacity, misappropriated according to the ordinance that created it. That was the fund used for this structure. And the City still hasn't been forthright about the associated costs.
The question begs to be asked. At what point do the bail outs of Union Square end? At what point does Union Square stand on its own feet?
From James Thomas Shell - July 23, 2013:
In reading Jill Patton's Letter from Sunday, I have issues with some of her assertions. No one can deny that she has the support of her ward, which originated from her steadfast doggedness on the Lowe's Home Improvement in Viewmont matter. An issue, which over time has proven her to be wrong, in my opinion.
I stood behind the HDR reporter the other night as Mrs. Patton made a beeline to berate him for not coming to city officials first about his queries and told him how ugly he had been to her in the story he had written. I too have been a subject of this anger in the past, when Mrs. Patton and I have had disagreements.
No one is out to embarrass Mrs. Patton. We're interested in how our local government is functioning. Jill certainly had no problem telling everyone that the local government was dysfunctional back in 2005. Now that she is on the inside, it seems she believes her government can do no wrong.
Yeah, Mrs. Patton and Mr. Seaver recused themselves from the votes for those loans for their kids. But it certainly doesn't look right when city officials procure these city funded, first time homebuyer loans for their children, when 99% of the people don't even know they exist. That reeks of the type of insider politics that many of us are tired of!
Jill, this type of scrutiny comes with that seat you hold. We all have had personal, emotional ups and downs with what goes into the paper. I hope that the HDR will continue to allow Mr. Tinkelenberg to move forward and keep doing his job like any good independent journalist is supposed to do! Because he is doing it well.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Economic Stories of Relevance in Today's World -- July 21, 2013
Share This Chart With Anyone That Believes The U.S. Economy Is Not Going To Crash - Michael Snyder, on July 21st, 2013 - Anyone that thinks that the U.S. economy can keep going along like this is absolutely crazy. We are in the terminal phase of an unprecedented debt spiral which has allowed us to live far, far beyond our means for the last several decades. Unfortunately, all debt spirals eventually end, and they usually do so in a very disorderly manner. The chart that you are about to see is one of my favorite economic charts. It compares the growth of U.S. GDP to the growth of total debt in the United States. Yes, U.S. GDP has certainly grown at a decent pace over the years, but our total debt has absolutely exploded. 40 years ago, the total amount of debt in our system (government debt + corporate debt + consumer debt, etc.) was about 2 trillion dollars. Today it has grown to more than 56 trillion dollars. Our debt has grown at a much, much faster rate than our economy has, and there is no way in the world that we will be able to continue to do that for long. Posted below is the chart that I was talking about. The blue line is our total debt, and the red line is our GDP. As you can see, this chart kind of speaks for itself..
Now That Detroit’s Gone Bust, Is Your City Next? - Zero Hedge - Tyler Durden - July 20, 2013
Bernanke Confirms: “If We Were To Tighten Policy, The Economy Would Tank” - SHTFPlan - Mac Slavo - July 18th, 2013 - Financial analysts have opined that the United States is well on the road to recovery. They cite various data points to make the case that the multi-trillion dollar bailouts and stimulus have brought us back from the brink of a collapse so serious that Congressional leaders had been told that should the bailouts fail, there was a real possibility of martial law being declared.
We’re doing so well, in fact, that just a couple of years ago President Obama assured the nation of our progress, claiming that we “reversed the recession, avoided a depression, [and] got the economy moving again.” But were one to take a step back from the rhetoric of talking heads, political leaders and so-called Wall Street experts, a completely different picture begins to emerge.
Just this week it was announced that not only are housing starts plummeting, but permit applications reported their “largest miss in history,” an indicator that the economy is not as healthy as it has been made out to be. And, while stock markets are hitting all-time record highs, what’s curious is that some of the world’s largest companies, including Intel, IBM, Google, Ebay and FedEx, are reporting significant consumer pull back and earnings below analyst expectations. And if that hasn’t convinced you, then here is the reality of the situation directly from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, the architect of the most massive economic recovery “plan” ever devised in the history of the world.
If We Don’t Break Up the Big Banks, They Will Manipulate More and More of the Economy … Making Us Poorer and Poorer - WashingtonsBlog - July 21, 2013 -
A Truckers anecdotal evidence on the economy
Now That Detroit’s Gone Bust, Is Your City Next? - Zero Hedge - Tyler Durden - July 20, 2013
Housing recovery leaves young adults behind - USA Today - July 17, 2013 - Between 2006 and 2011, those 25-34 experienced the largest decline in home ownership rates in the country, according to a USA TODAY analysis of Census Bureau data. High unemployment and debt loads are just some of the factors, but have led to a decreased ability to save for a down payment or qualify for a mortgage.
Bernanke Confirms: “If We Were To Tighten Policy, The Economy Would Tank” - SHTFPlan - Mac Slavo - July 18th, 2013 - Financial analysts have opined that the United States is well on the road to recovery. They cite various data points to make the case that the multi-trillion dollar bailouts and stimulus have brought us back from the brink of a collapse so serious that Congressional leaders had been told that should the bailouts fail, there was a real possibility of martial law being declared.
We’re doing so well, in fact, that just a couple of years ago President Obama assured the nation of our progress, claiming that we “reversed the recession, avoided a depression, [and] got the economy moving again.” But were one to take a step back from the rhetoric of talking heads, political leaders and so-called Wall Street experts, a completely different picture begins to emerge.
Just this week it was announced that not only are housing starts plummeting, but permit applications reported their “largest miss in history,” an indicator that the economy is not as healthy as it has been made out to be. And, while stock markets are hitting all-time record highs, what’s curious is that some of the world’s largest companies, including Intel, IBM, Google, Ebay and FedEx, are reporting significant consumer pull back and earnings below analyst expectations. And if that hasn’t convinced you, then here is the reality of the situation directly from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, the architect of the most massive economic recovery “plan” ever devised in the history of the world.
If We Don’t Break Up the Big Banks, They Will Manipulate More and More of the Economy … Making Us Poorer and Poorer - WashingtonsBlog - July 21, 2013 -
A Truckers anecdotal evidence on the economy
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of July 16, 2013
I began recording the City Council late last year, because of my desire that the City do it on their own as any modern 21st century community began doing long ago. I had people tell me that they couldn't make it to the meetings, but they would like to see what is going on. I was also told by some council members that my summaries did not truly reflect the record, so having a video/audio recording cannot be misinterpreted.
So below is the City Council meeting. Beside each agenda item, you will see the minute:second. You can drag the marker on the video display to the point in the broadcast that you are interested in seeing.
Agenda about the City Council meeting of July 16, 2013
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of Business Well Crafted Award to Johnson Piano Exchange - (1:20)
B. Presentation of Retiring Members of Volunteer Boards and Commissions - (7:00)
C. Presentation of the 17th Consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Hickory by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) - (13:35)
D. Presentation from Business Development Committee Member - Ryan Lovern (16:20) speaks about Real Estate process and planning changes in the City of Hickory.
Persons Requesting to be Heard (23:00)
Addendum Citizens Requesting to be Heard
Consent Agenda (47:30)
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Rezoning Petition 13-09 for the Property Located at 3254 NC Hwy 127 South, Hickory. - (48:00) - Presentation by Shimari Myer (spelling?)
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant Agreement for Agile Specialty Inc., dba Dennison Precision Machine Co. - (51:50) - Dave Leonetti presentation
2. Catawba County Gang Initiative Hickory Police Department will update Council on the Catawba County Gang Initiative. (56:30) - Presentations
3. Legal Counsel Advisory Opinion on Conflict of Interest Policy.
(1:06:30) - City Staff Attorney Arnita Dula Presentation
Conflict of Interest Documents from the HDR article of July 7, 2013
I will let this presentation stand by itself without any more said than above. What Arnita Dula presents here is Hickory Inc.'s opinion and they are not the final arbiters of what is and what isn't conflicts of interest. The final arbiters will be the public.
So below is the City Council meeting. Beside each agenda item, you will see the minute:second. You can drag the marker on the video display to the point in the broadcast that you are interested in seeing.
Agenda about the City Council meeting of July 16, 2013
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of Business Well Crafted Award to Johnson Piano Exchange - (1:20)
B. Presentation of Retiring Members of Volunteer Boards and Commissions - (7:00)
C. Presentation of the 17th Consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Hickory by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) - (13:35)
D. Presentation from Business Development Committee Member - Ryan Lovern (16:20) speaks about Real Estate process and planning changes in the City of Hickory.
Persons Requesting to be Heard (23:00)
Addendum Citizens Requesting to be Heard
Consent Agenda (47:30)
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Rezoning Petition 13-09 for the Property Located at 3254 NC Hwy 127 South, Hickory. - (48:00) - Presentation by Shimari Myer (spelling?)
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant Agreement for Agile Specialty Inc., dba Dennison Precision Machine Co. - (51:50) - Dave Leonetti presentation
2. Catawba County Gang Initiative Hickory Police Department will update Council on the Catawba County Gang Initiative. (56:30) - Presentations
3. Legal Counsel Advisory Opinion on Conflict of Interest Policy.
(1:06:30) - City Staff Attorney Arnita Dula Presentation
Conflict of Interest Documents from the HDR article of July 7, 2013
I will let this presentation stand by itself without any more said than above. What Arnita Dula presents here is Hickory Inc.'s opinion and they are not the final arbiters of what is and what isn't conflicts of interest. The final arbiters will be the public.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Newsletter about the City Council meeting of June 4, 2013 - Addendum Citizens Requesting to be Heard
7 people addressed the Council on this evening
Cliff Moone - At the last City Council meeting, and at meetings prior to that, I have advocated first, to have these meetings videotaped, and second, to have them subsequently broadcast on the Charter government channel. I have repeatedly commended the council for finding a fiscally prudent way to initiate videotaping and for posting the videos on the city website.
I stand before you tonight to urge you again to broadcast these meetings to the public on cable tv. I do not have time in about 3 minutes to reiterate all the reasons you should do this.
And while no one expects a rebroadcast of the Hickory City Council to generate higher ratings than even a re-run of NCIS, it truly baffles me WHY any elected official wouldn’t want to use every possible means and opportunity to educate the public and raise public awareness about the discussions and actions taken by the body to which he/she was elected. If you are proud of your service and believe, as I know you do, that your actions are truly for the betterment of this city, HOW could you possibly NOT want more citizens to see and hear about it?
And after some of the responses to the recent HDR article raising questions regarding conflict of interest, whether true or not, I would think that having a video record going out to the public might prove advantageous as an added source of accurate information. I know that if I were sitting where you are tonight, I would welcome the video verification of what I had actually said leading up to my vote, and I would want it publicized as much as possible.
In talking with Mr. Berry about this, he appropriately raised a concern about the “quality” of any tv broadcast. Having viewed all of the videotaped meetings, and having seen for myself the high definition quality of those recordings, I just have to say you ALL look REALLY good on camera! Of course, it’s not how you look that matters to us citizens. It’s what you say and how you vote that affects our lives out here. So there is no need to improve the quality. Just let the people have the greatest possible opportunity to see it!
By the way, the newspaper reported that staff AND council decided it could not produce a high enough quality...broadcast to portray the city in a positive light.” I do not want to even begin to unpack that statement. But, for the life of me, I do not recall an actual vote by council on that particular point. Perhaps I am mistaken, but I haven’t found that vote in the minutes, and unfortunately since you have deleted the previous YouTube videos ( a potential violation of the NC Freedom of Information Act and the state’s Public Disclosure Law), I am unable to view the record for myself.
Finally, Mr. Berry stated in the newspaper, “It’s not a matter of whether we could [broadcast the meetings]; It’s a matter of whether we should.” Mr Berry, members of the council, as to whether you should, my answer is absolutely YES!
Joe Brannock - Conflict-of-Interest - I understand there is a Departmental Report tonight on the legal opinion regarding the recent conflict-of-interest matter.
Aside from that discussion, I would like the Council to consider the public perception standards/aspects also associated with conflicts-of-interest, that are there to insure the highest levels of transparency that the public deserves.
I don't believe anyone thinks that conflicts-of-interests necessarily mean illegal activity. Nor, do I believe that conflicts-of-interests are necessarily limited the financial matters.
Was it a conflict-of-interest when Mrs. Patton voted to approve her daughter's application for a first-time home buyers' grant?
Was it a conflict-of-interest when Mr. Seaver voted to approve various Consent Agenda items involving his son?
Wasn't it a conflict-of-interest when Mr. Meisner voted to reject Rental Property Task Force recommendations while his rental property was in violation of the City's nuisance codes? Furthermore, was it a conflict-of-interest that his appointment to that Task Force was a partner in that rental property?
I would like to commend Mr. Lail for recusing himself during the discussion ans subsequent votes Re: the BID tax. He stated he owned commercial property in the BID district and thought it would be inappropriate to participate.
Also, I would like to commend Mayor Wright for recusing himself back in January regarding an issue with the City's Land Development Code and what he saw as a potential conflict involving his sign company.
But, wasn't it a conflict-of-interest when the Mayor's sign company provided the signage for the City-funded FBO Building without making those interests known publicly?
And wasn't it a conflict-of-interest when Mayor Wright failed to publicly acknowledge his own rental property interests prior to voting to reject the Rental Property Taskforce recommendations?
What I do know is this - my confidence in this Council's ability to enforce it's own conflict-of-interest ordinance is sadly directly proportional to its willingness to actually identify those conflicts.
*** Further evidence, including that here on the Hickory Hound, has shown that Jill Patton and Danny Seaver did recuse themselves on the loans obtained for their children and Danny Seaver was not present during a refi of a loan for his son. What begs to be asked is Should City Council members children be applying for such loans when Hickory Inc. is not actively promoting that such loans are available? And while it does not rise to the highest level of Conflict of Interest, it does create a perception of a Conflict. In the end, the public will have to decide now whether this meets the smell test. ***
Calaila Jett (sorry for misspelling?) - Addressed the City Council about the AAU basketball team she manages that has been unable to find a place to practice in the City of Hickory with Parks and Recreation due to City Policies. They have been attempting to expand programming through volunteering. (The City is telling them that they need a $1 million insurance policy and to pay $65 per session in order to utilize City facilities.)
April Hill addressed the same concerns. They can utilze Brown-Penn, but not as a Basketball team. They are representing Hickory.
Larry Pope spoke about the rental spaces on Union Square used for dining. It is hard for him to navigate the area. He visits Fred's pharmacy. A mobility specialist, Larry had to come look at Union Square, is 'set back' because of the barriers and obstacles. There is no direct pathways. Larry asked whether the $25 fee (per month for the rental spaces) is being collected and what is it being used for and what fund is it going under. He would like to see something in writing.
Dr. Joseph "Jody" Inglefield - Hickory City Council has ignored the health and wellness of our citizens on many levels. It is time to replace city leaders when they choose to ignore the findings of validated scientific studies like the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index that ranks us the 5th most miserable area in the USA. It is a charade to ride on the backs of non-profits to the title of All-American city.
Uninspired citizens wander our streets due to the lack of jobs. We have the 2nd highest unemployment rate at 10% in the state. We need solutions, not an attitude that nothing can be done. The city must respond to these national surveys in a meaningful way. The failure to maintain parks and recreational facilities throughout Hickory during the 12 year tenure of the Mayor is especially destructive to the health and well-being of the citizens of Hickory. We need jobs, not excuses.
We need to bulldoze through the lack of transparency in City Council decisions. The City Council and staff have not followed the spirit and letter of the public records law, NC General Statute 132. Public information should be open and accessible on the city website permanently, with all public city meetings on cable TV.
City leaders and staff must truthfully file conflict of interest forms in a legible manner on a yearly basis according to law. Under my leadership I will ensure that this is done. City staff must insist Council do so legally and in good faith.
We need to fill positions on independent boards and commissions without delay, free of nepotism and cronyism. These positions are supposed to provide independent guidance and should also be subject to term limits and public conflict of interest requirements as well.
No new taxes should be levied until citizens can readily access and carefully review projects and budgets, including the $80 million dollar "Inspiring Spaces" plan. We need evidence-based plans with full, meaningful public participation, not pet projects. Stop the raiding of separate funds that belong to the citizens of Hickory.
I want to encourage public input and dialogue with the citizens of Hickory, all of the citizens, as many voices are not being heard. The local economy has suffered greatly under this Mayor and Council, yet he takes no responsibility for this decline. Our stale leaders have been in office for too long. We need term limits. We need inspiring leaders to inspire citizens. It is time for fresh new ideas. As a local Doctor and Community leader for the past 25 years, I am announcing my candidacy for the position of Mayor of Hickory. I am now ready to lead Hickory in a new direction. I ask citizens of Hickory to register to vote and to vote for me, Dr. Inglefield for Mayor.
J. Franklin Davis he talked about a program at L-R U entitled "the House that I live in". No community leaders attended. He also addressed the Council about asking to serve on the Community Relations Council and being denied the opportunity. "I have attended City College and even been given a key to the City and it doesn't seem that it opens any doors."
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Agenda about the City Council meeting of July 16, 2013
This Agenda is about the Hickory City Council meeting that will take place on the date listed above. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.
At right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the left of the page you will see the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. This will give you a choice of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
You will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date. You can also look in the upper right hand corner of the front page of the Hickory Hound and (will soon) find the link to the past history of Hickory City Newsletters.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.
City Website has changed - Here is a link to the City of Hickory Document Center
All materials and maps for this meeting are provide at this link:
City Council Meeting Agenda - July 16, 2013 (16MB)
Invocation by Rev. David E. Roberts II, Pastor, Morning Star First Baptist Church
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of Business Well Crafted Award to Johnson Piano Exchange
B. Presentation of Retiring Members of Volunteer Boards and Commissions
C. Presentation of the 17th Consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Hickory by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
D. Presentation from Business Development Committee Member, Ryan Lovern, Update of the Meeting held with Hickory Area Commercial Realtors
Consent Agenda:
A. Request Approval to Apply for Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of $23,860. - City of Hickory Police department has received notification of pre-approval to receive $23,860 under the 2013 Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG). The JAG program is a formula-based grant through the Office of Justice Programs/Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) that utilizes Uniform Crime Reporting statistics of all law enforcement agencies to determine eligibility for direct federal grant awards. There is no match required. Hickory Police Department recommends using grant funds from the Justice Assistance Grant to purchase in-car cameras.
B. Request Approval to Accept a Grant in the amount of $60,000 from Governor’s Highway Safety Program Grant for the Purchase of Twenty (20) in-car Digital Cameras. - A standard marked Hickory Police Vehicle is equipped with a specialized Mobile Video In-Car Camera for all new police vehicles. Life expectancy will be five to ten years on the in-car cameras. These cameras can be reinstalled in new vehicles as required. The digital video recording system is to be installed in police vehicles at an estimated cost of $6,000 per in-car camera. The grant will consist of twenty (20) digital video in car cameras at a cost of $120,000 the portion Governor’s Highway Safety Grant would match is $60,000 and the City’s portion would be $60,000. Along with installing in-car cameras in new police vehicles, these cameras will replace any camera no longer working or supported by a vendor. The City’s match is budgeted in the annual budget for FY13-14.
C. Request Approval of the 2013 Urgent Repair Program Grant, Assistance Policy and Procurement Policy for Submission to the NC Housing Finance Agency. - In January 2013, the City of Hickory Community Development Department applied for funding through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency’s Urgent Repair Program. The City of Hickory has been award $37,500 through this program in order to assist approximately eight (8) eligible homes with urgently needed repairs in an amount not to exceed $5,400 per housing unit. The City of Hickory will provide $3,750 in matching funds, available from Rental Rehabilitation program income. NC Housing Finance Agency requires the City of Hickory to prepare an Assistance Policy and Procurement Policies to be readily available to the public explaining the guidelines of the URP13.
D. Special Event/Activities Application for Patriots Day, Steve Moore and Fred Hollar, Hickory Fire Department, for September 11, 2013 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Union Square.
E. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Howard R. Craig and wife, Beverly F. Craig to Andrea Whitener Teeter and husband James Lee Teeter in Oakwood Cemetery
F. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Joyce Ann Simpson, Executrix under the Will of William Grant Simpson, and Joyce Ann Simpson, individually to Linda L. Simpson in Fairview Cemetery
G. Call for Public Hearing - For the Consideration of Rezoning Petition 13-10 for the Property Located on 28th Street SE, Hickory, containing 3.32 acres. (Authorize Public Hearing for August 6, 2013)
H. Request Approval of an Updated Billing & Collection Agreement with Catawba County Relating to New Tag & Tax Together Program for Vehicle Property Taxes. - House Bill 1779 was passed by the General Assembly which created the Tag & Tax Together Program. The new program was designed to provide a convenient payment method for vehicle owners to be billed and pay both the tag registration fee and vehicle tax at the same time. Under the new agreement, City of Hickory agrees to pay Catawba County for any new fees associated with this change a percentage share of Hickory’s total tax amount. Deducted fees will be based on overall costs of billing and debit/credit card fees and any refunds, exemptions, and appeals. An annual statement will be generated by the County after December 1st of each tax year and due within 30 days of receipt. Any motor vehicle taxes with renewal dates prior to September 1, 2013 will require the City to pay Catawba County 1 ½ % of the total motor vehicle taxes and gross receipts taxes collected. Renewal dates on or after September 1, 2013 will allocate the motor vehicle tax payments directly to Catawba County. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will deduct the per statement billing cost and debit/credit card transaction fees from the County’s payment. The anticipated per statement billing cost is $1.69 per notice.
I. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Agreement with Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Inc., for FY2013-2014 in the Amount of $8,000. - City Council approved the 2013 Community Development Block Grant Budget and Action Plan on April 16, 2013. As a result thereof, agreements need to be executed. Per Federal requirements, on February 7, and February 13, 2013 the City of Hickory Department of Planning and Development held two neighborhood meetings. The meetings were held at the Ridgeview Library and City Hall. At these meetings non-profit organizations were granted the opportunity to request funding for the upcoming year.
After the meetings were held, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviewed and recommended funding for these agencies. Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Inc. is a neighborhood based non-profit organization engaged in providing shelter, counseling, and rehabilitation services to chronically dependent and homeless women.
J. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Agreement with Habitat for Humanity of the Catawba Valley, Inc., for FY2013-2014 in the Amount of $60,000 for a Deferred Loan. - City Council approved the 2013 Community Development Block Grant Budget and Action Plan on April 16, 2013. As a result thereof, agreements need to be executed. Per Federal requirements, on February 7, and February 13, 2013 the City of Hickory Department of Planning and Development held two neighborhood meetings. The meetings were held at the Ridgeview Library and City Hall. At these meetings non-profit organizations were granted the opportunity to request funding for the upcoming year. After the meetings were held, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviewed and recommended funding for these agencies. Habitat for Humanity of the Catawba Valley Inc. is a non-profit organization engaged in providing affordable home ownership opportunities to low and moderate income families.
K. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Agreement with Inter-Faith Housing Development Corporation for FY2013-2014 in the Amount of $10,000. - City Council approved the 2013 Community Development Block Grant Budget and Action Plan on April 16, 2013. As a result thereof, agreements need to be executed. Per Federal requirements, on February 7, and February 13, 2013 the City of Hickory Department of Planning and Development held two neighborhood meetings. The meetings were held at the Ridgeview Library and City Hall. At these meetings non-profit organizations were granted the opportunity to request funding for the upcoming year. After the meetings were held, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviewed and recommended funding for these agencies. Inter-Faith Housing Development Corporation is a non-profit organization engaged in providing affordable homeownership opportunities to low and moderate income families. They are also the owners of the former Ridgeview Public Library, which they are planning to rehabilitate for use as a community center.
L. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 1.
1. To transfer $400 from the Police Departments Uniform line item to the 2012 Bulletproof Vest Partnership multi-year grant project. The 2012 Federal grant awarded to the Hickory Police Department from the United States Department of Justice pays up to 50% of the cost of National Institute of Justice approved vests. Grant funds are budgeted for the vest purchases; however the grant does not cover shipping and handling costs of the vest purchases. Therefore a transfer of
$400 to the grant projects uniform line item is necessary.
M. Grant Project Ordinance Amendment Number 1.
1. To accept a $400 transfer from the Police Departments Uniform line item to the 2012 Bulletproof Vest Partnership multi-year grant project. Grant funds are budgeted for the vest purchases; however the grant does not cover shipping and handling costs of the vest purchases. Therefore a transfer of $400 to the grant projects uniform line item is necessary.
2. To budget $28,568 of Restricted Government Revenue in the 2013 Entitlement Block Grant Budget and to increase expenditure line items by $28,568. The proposed FY13-14 Community Development Block Grant budget was $432,974 however, the revised revenue is $461,542 thereby increasing the budget by an additional $28,568. A budget amendment is necessary to recognize the
additional revenue and to increase the expenditures so that the budget remains in balance.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Rezoning Petition 13-09 for the Property Located at 3254 NC Hwy 127 South, Hickory. - The City of Hickory requests the rezoning of property located at 3254 NC Hwy 127 South. The area of rezoning was recently annexed into the city limits and currently developed as a Dollar General Retail Store. The request is to rezone the property from Catawba County Highway Commercial (HC) to Commercial Corridor (CC-2). The Hickory by Choice 2030 Comprehensive Plan classifies the vicinity as Commercial Corridor. The particular rezoning request is to update the zoning designation on the recently annexed property to be consistent with Hickory by Choice 2030. The Business Development Committee reviewed the application and voted to recommend approval at their June 21st meeting. This public hearing was advertised on July 5 and July 12, 2013 in a newspaper
having general circulation in the Hickory area.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant Agreement for Agile Specialty Inc., dba Dennison Precision Machine Co. - (Mr. Ivester is requesting two readings due to the lack of two meetings in July.) - Agile Specialty Inc., dba Dennison Precision Machine Co. has applied for a Vacant Building Revitalization Grant in the amount of $12,142 to assist in the demolition of the former machine shop located at 417 11th Street NW. They plan to spend up to $34,690 to demolish the industrial building on the site. The grant program can reimburse up to $20,000 or 35 percent of eligible project cost, whichever is less, for demolition projects. This project would be eligible for a
grant in the amount of $12,142. After demolition, the applicant will market the property for future development or use as a parking lot by an adjacent property owner.
2. Catawba County Gang Initiative Hickory Police Department will update Council on the Catawba County Gang Initiative.
3. Legal Counsel Advisory Opinion on Conflict of Interest Policy.
Conflict of Interest Documents from the HDR article of July 7, 2013
At right of this page under Main Information links is an Hickory's City Website link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the left of the page you will see the Agenda's and Minutes link you need to click. This will give you a choice of PDF files to upcoming and previous meetings.
You will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date. You can also look in the upper right hand corner of the front page of the Hickory Hound and (will soon) find the link to the past history of Hickory City Newsletters.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below:
Please remember that pressing Ctrl and + will magnify the text and page and pressing Ctrl and - will make the text and page smaller. This will help the readability for those with smaller screens and/or eye difficulties.
City Website has changed - Here is a link to the City of Hickory Document Center
All materials and maps for this meeting are provide at this link:
City Council Meeting Agenda - July 16, 2013 (16MB)
Invocation by Rev. David E. Roberts II, Pastor, Morning Star First Baptist Church
Special Presentations
A. Presentation of Business Well Crafted Award to Johnson Piano Exchange
B. Presentation of Retiring Members of Volunteer Boards and Commissions
C. Presentation of the 17th Consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Hickory by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
D. Presentation from Business Development Committee Member, Ryan Lovern, Update of the Meeting held with Hickory Area Commercial Realtors
Consent Agenda:
A. Request Approval to Apply for Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of $23,860. - City of Hickory Police department has received notification of pre-approval to receive $23,860 under the 2013 Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG). The JAG program is a formula-based grant through the Office of Justice Programs/Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) that utilizes Uniform Crime Reporting statistics of all law enforcement agencies to determine eligibility for direct federal grant awards. There is no match required. Hickory Police Department recommends using grant funds from the Justice Assistance Grant to purchase in-car cameras.
B. Request Approval to Accept a Grant in the amount of $60,000 from Governor’s Highway Safety Program Grant for the Purchase of Twenty (20) in-car Digital Cameras. - A standard marked Hickory Police Vehicle is equipped with a specialized Mobile Video In-Car Camera for all new police vehicles. Life expectancy will be five to ten years on the in-car cameras. These cameras can be reinstalled in new vehicles as required. The digital video recording system is to be installed in police vehicles at an estimated cost of $6,000 per in-car camera. The grant will consist of twenty (20) digital video in car cameras at a cost of $120,000 the portion Governor’s Highway Safety Grant would match is $60,000 and the City’s portion would be $60,000. Along with installing in-car cameras in new police vehicles, these cameras will replace any camera no longer working or supported by a vendor. The City’s match is budgeted in the annual budget for FY13-14.
C. Request Approval of the 2013 Urgent Repair Program Grant, Assistance Policy and Procurement Policy for Submission to the NC Housing Finance Agency. - In January 2013, the City of Hickory Community Development Department applied for funding through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency’s Urgent Repair Program. The City of Hickory has been award $37,500 through this program in order to assist approximately eight (8) eligible homes with urgently needed repairs in an amount not to exceed $5,400 per housing unit. The City of Hickory will provide $3,750 in matching funds, available from Rental Rehabilitation program income. NC Housing Finance Agency requires the City of Hickory to prepare an Assistance Policy and Procurement Policies to be readily available to the public explaining the guidelines of the URP13.
D. Special Event/Activities Application for Patriots Day, Steve Moore and Fred Hollar, Hickory Fire Department, for September 11, 2013 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Union Square.
E. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Howard R. Craig and wife, Beverly F. Craig to Andrea Whitener Teeter and husband James Lee Teeter in Oakwood Cemetery
F. Transfer of Cemetery Deed from Joyce Ann Simpson, Executrix under the Will of William Grant Simpson, and Joyce Ann Simpson, individually to Linda L. Simpson in Fairview Cemetery
G. Call for Public Hearing - For the Consideration of Rezoning Petition 13-10 for the Property Located on 28th Street SE, Hickory, containing 3.32 acres. (Authorize Public Hearing for August 6, 2013)
H. Request Approval of an Updated Billing & Collection Agreement with Catawba County Relating to New Tag & Tax Together Program for Vehicle Property Taxes. - House Bill 1779 was passed by the General Assembly which created the Tag & Tax Together Program. The new program was designed to provide a convenient payment method for vehicle owners to be billed and pay both the tag registration fee and vehicle tax at the same time. Under the new agreement, City of Hickory agrees to pay Catawba County for any new fees associated with this change a percentage share of Hickory’s total tax amount. Deducted fees will be based on overall costs of billing and debit/credit card fees and any refunds, exemptions, and appeals. An annual statement will be generated by the County after December 1st of each tax year and due within 30 days of receipt. Any motor vehicle taxes with renewal dates prior to September 1, 2013 will require the City to pay Catawba County 1 ½ % of the total motor vehicle taxes and gross receipts taxes collected. Renewal dates on or after September 1, 2013 will allocate the motor vehicle tax payments directly to Catawba County. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will deduct the per statement billing cost and debit/credit card transaction fees from the County’s payment. The anticipated per statement billing cost is $1.69 per notice.
I. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Agreement with Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Inc., for FY2013-2014 in the Amount of $8,000. - City Council approved the 2013 Community Development Block Grant Budget and Action Plan on April 16, 2013. As a result thereof, agreements need to be executed. Per Federal requirements, on February 7, and February 13, 2013 the City of Hickory Department of Planning and Development held two neighborhood meetings. The meetings were held at the Ridgeview Library and City Hall. At these meetings non-profit organizations were granted the opportunity to request funding for the upcoming year.
After the meetings were held, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviewed and recommended funding for these agencies. Safe Harbor Rescue Mission, Inc. is a neighborhood based non-profit organization engaged in providing shelter, counseling, and rehabilitation services to chronically dependent and homeless women.
J. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Agreement with Habitat for Humanity of the Catawba Valley, Inc., for FY2013-2014 in the Amount of $60,000 for a Deferred Loan. - City Council approved the 2013 Community Development Block Grant Budget and Action Plan on April 16, 2013. As a result thereof, agreements need to be executed. Per Federal requirements, on February 7, and February 13, 2013 the City of Hickory Department of Planning and Development held two neighborhood meetings. The meetings were held at the Ridgeview Library and City Hall. At these meetings non-profit organizations were granted the opportunity to request funding for the upcoming year. After the meetings were held, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviewed and recommended funding for these agencies. Habitat for Humanity of the Catawba Valley Inc. is a non-profit organization engaged in providing affordable home ownership opportunities to low and moderate income families.
K. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Agreement with Inter-Faith Housing Development Corporation for FY2013-2014 in the Amount of $10,000. - City Council approved the 2013 Community Development Block Grant Budget and Action Plan on April 16, 2013. As a result thereof, agreements need to be executed. Per Federal requirements, on February 7, and February 13, 2013 the City of Hickory Department of Planning and Development held two neighborhood meetings. The meetings were held at the Ridgeview Library and City Hall. At these meetings non-profit organizations were granted the opportunity to request funding for the upcoming year. After the meetings were held, the Citizen’s Advisory Committee reviewed and recommended funding for these agencies. Inter-Faith Housing Development Corporation is a non-profit organization engaged in providing affordable homeownership opportunities to low and moderate income families. They are also the owners of the former Ridgeview Public Library, which they are planning to rehabilitate for use as a community center.
L. Budget Ordinance Amendment Number 1.
1. To transfer $400 from the Police Departments Uniform line item to the 2012 Bulletproof Vest Partnership multi-year grant project. The 2012 Federal grant awarded to the Hickory Police Department from the United States Department of Justice pays up to 50% of the cost of National Institute of Justice approved vests. Grant funds are budgeted for the vest purchases; however the grant does not cover shipping and handling costs of the vest purchases. Therefore a transfer of
$400 to the grant projects uniform line item is necessary.
M. Grant Project Ordinance Amendment Number 1.
1. To accept a $400 transfer from the Police Departments Uniform line item to the 2012 Bulletproof Vest Partnership multi-year grant project. Grant funds are budgeted for the vest purchases; however the grant does not cover shipping and handling costs of the vest purchases. Therefore a transfer of $400 to the grant projects uniform line item is necessary.
2. To budget $28,568 of Restricted Government Revenue in the 2013 Entitlement Block Grant Budget and to increase expenditure line items by $28,568. The proposed FY13-14 Community Development Block Grant budget was $432,974 however, the revised revenue is $461,542 thereby increasing the budget by an additional $28,568. A budget amendment is necessary to recognize the
additional revenue and to increase the expenditures so that the budget remains in balance.
New Business - Public Hearings
1. Rezoning Petition 13-09 for the Property Located at 3254 NC Hwy 127 South, Hickory. - The City of Hickory requests the rezoning of property located at 3254 NC Hwy 127 South. The area of rezoning was recently annexed into the city limits and currently developed as a Dollar General Retail Store. The request is to rezone the property from Catawba County Highway Commercial (HC) to Commercial Corridor (CC-2). The Hickory by Choice 2030 Comprehensive Plan classifies the vicinity as Commercial Corridor. The particular rezoning request is to update the zoning designation on the recently annexed property to be consistent with Hickory by Choice 2030. The Business Development Committee reviewed the application and voted to recommend approval at their June 21st meeting. This public hearing was advertised on July 5 and July 12, 2013 in a newspaper
having general circulation in the Hickory area.
New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Vacant Building Revitalization and Demolition Grant Agreement for Agile Specialty Inc., dba Dennison Precision Machine Co. - (Mr. Ivester is requesting two readings due to the lack of two meetings in July.) - Agile Specialty Inc., dba Dennison Precision Machine Co. has applied for a Vacant Building Revitalization Grant in the amount of $12,142 to assist in the demolition of the former machine shop located at 417 11th Street NW. They plan to spend up to $34,690 to demolish the industrial building on the site. The grant program can reimburse up to $20,000 or 35 percent of eligible project cost, whichever is less, for demolition projects. This project would be eligible for a
grant in the amount of $12,142. After demolition, the applicant will market the property for future development or use as a parking lot by an adjacent property owner.
2. Catawba County Gang Initiative Hickory Police Department will update Council on the Catawba County Gang Initiative.
3. Legal Counsel Advisory Opinion on Conflict of Interest Policy.
Conflict of Interest Documents from the HDR article of July 7, 2013
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